

Best for advanced divers, 3-30m, shore entry, moderate current.
Haleiwa Trench is an advanced shore-accessible dive site on Oahu featuring a combination of artificial reef structures and a wall that drops to 30 metres. Divers typically explore between 3 and 30 metres, with an average depth of 15 metres. The site is home to diverse marine life, including common Spanish Dancer and various wrasses. Uncommon sightings include Snowflake Moray, Turkey Moray, Pustular Phyllidia, pufferfish, and Speckled Butterflyfish. Rare species such as Spotted Eagle Ray, Leaf Scorpionfish, Day Octopus, Zebra Moray, Tiger Reef Eel, and White-spotted Octopus are also recorded. Entry requires navigating a surf break, and divers must remain alert for boat traffic and moderate currents.
21.59310, -158.11078
The shore entry through the surf zone is the crux of this dive, so time your entry and exit during a lull in the sets and keep a close eye on boat traffic once you are in the water. Parking, toilets, and showers are all available on site.
Located at Hale'iwa Ali'i Beach Park. Follow the trail west of the parking lot with the harbor building on the right to a small beach area. Walk 75-100 meters out from the shore.
Recorded at this site
Depth
3-30m
Visibility
7-25m
Skill Level
Advanced
Entry
Shore
Water Temp
23-26°C
Current
Moderate
Typical Dive
50 min
Best Time
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Divers commonly encounter Spanish Dancer and wrasses. Uncommon species include Snowflake Moray, Turkey Moray, Pustular Phyllidia, pufferfish, and Speckled Butterflyfish, while rare sightings include Spotted Eagle Ray, Leaf Scorpionfish, Day Octopus, and various moray eels.
No, this site is intended for advanced divers due to the challenging shore entry through a surf zone, moderate currents, and potential for boat traffic.
The site ranges from 3 to 30 metres in depth, with an average depth of 15 metres.
This is a shore-accessible dive located 100 metres from the coast.
While the site is primarily used for diving, the surf zone and depth profile make it more suited to advanced diving activities.
Diving at Haleiwa Trench in Haleiwa requires the following certifications: Advanced Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A 3mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Haleiwa Trench in Haleiwa. Water temperatures range from 23°C to 26°C.
The best months to visit Haleiwa Trench in Haleiwa are April, May, June, July, August, September, and October. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.
Expect moderate currents at Haleiwa Trench in Haleiwa. Good buoyancy control and some drift diving experience is helpful.
Visibility at Haleiwa Trench in Haleiwa typically ranges from 7 metres to 25 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.